Create Custom Tool Palette in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

To create a custom tool palette in AutoCAD, open the Tool Palettes window, right-click inside it, and select New Palette. Then, drag and drop commands, blocks, or tools onto your new palette to customize it for quick access.

Syntax

Creating a custom tool palette in AutoCAD involves these steps:

• Open Tool Palettes: Use the TOOLPALETTES command or press Ctrl+3.
• Create New Palette: Right-click inside the palette window and choose New Palette.
• Add Tools: Drag commands, blocks, or hatches from the drawing or command list onto the new palette.

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TOOLPALETTES
Right-click > New Palette
Drag and drop tools or blocks

Output

A new custom tool palette appears ready for customization.

Example

This example shows how to create a custom tool palette named "My Tools" and add a block and a command to it.

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1. Type <code>TOOLPALETTES</code> and press Enter to open the Tool Palettes window.
2. Right-click inside the window and select <code>New Palette</code>.
3. Name the palette "My Tools".
4. Open the <code>Insert</code> tab, find a block in your drawing, and drag it onto "My Tools" palette.
5. Open the <code>Command List</code> pane, find the <code>Line</code> command, and drag it onto the palette.

Output

A new palette "My Tools" with the block and Line command added for quick access.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating custom tool palettes include:

• Not opening the Tool Palettes window first, so you can't create or see palettes.
• Dragging unsupported items that won't work as tools.
• Forgetting to save your drawing or template after adding custom tools, losing your palette setup.

Always verify your palette is visible and saved.

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Wrong: Dragging a non-block object like a raster image directly onto the palette (won't work).
Right: Convert the image to a block first, then drag it onto the palette.

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Description
1	Open Tool Palettes	Type TOOLPALETTES or press Ctrl+3
2	Create New Palette	Right-click inside palette window > New Palette
3	Name Palette	Give your palette a meaningful name
4	Add Tools	Drag blocks, commands, or hatches onto the palette
5	Save Work	Save your drawing or template to keep palette changes

Key Takeaways

Open the Tool Palettes window using the TOOLPALETTES command or Ctrl+3.

Right-click inside the palette window to create a new custom palette.

Drag blocks, commands, or other tools onto your palette to customize it.

Save your drawing or template to preserve your custom palette setup.

Avoid dragging unsupported items; convert them to blocks if needed.